Celtics' Stevens on Smart at PG: 'Needs to do what he does best'

"He just needs to do what he does best," Stevens said. "I don't want him to do something that the defense isn't giving to him."

Smart has started each of the team's last three games -- all wins -- averaging 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 38.3 minutes per game, but he's shot just 28.6 percent from the field during that stretch.

The Celtics are 6 1/2-point underdogs in Milwaukee Saturady.

Still waiting for Marcus Smart to break out

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(2/4/2015)Celtics guard Marcus Smart hasn't made the kind of impact we expected since the Rajon Rondo trade in late December, but that could be changing with a recent move into the starting lineup.

Smart scored in double figures just five times in his first 22 games, and three of those were starts. However, he has been showing real signs of figuring thing out at the NBA level. His scoring lately hasn't been great, but he is averaging 5.4 assists per game over five games before Tuesdays, in just 24.9 minutes per game. Though he had just three in Tuesday's start, he did fill up the box score, adding four rebounds and two steals, and added 13 points on just nine shots.

Smart is still very much learning how to score in the NBA, however he made strides in January overall, especially with his 3-point shot and playmaking. He shot 42.4 percent on 59 3-pointers, and dished out nearly six assists per-36 minutes. With the Celtics seemingly ready to give up on Evan Turner as the point guard, Smart should see a large role moving forward, and he might finally start to make an impact for Fantasy owners. There are plenty of viable point guards available on the waiver wire, but few have the upside Smart does, so make him a priority if you are looking for a stash.

Celtics PG Marcus Smart scores 13, plays through injury Tuesday

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(2/3/2015)Celtics point guard Marcus Smart scored 13 points on 3 of 9 shooting, including 2 of 7 shooting from three-point range, in his team's 108-97 win over the Knicks Tuesday.

Smart suffered an ankle injury during the game and headed to the locker room to be examined, but he was able to quickly return to action and close out the game. He also racked up four rebounds, three assists and two steals in 37 minutes. Provided his ankle is good to go after a night of rest, Smart will face the Nuggets Wednesday.

Marcus Smart being groomed for leadership role with Celtics

"He's doing a good job of playing well, of handling success and adversity. Those are all precursors to being a leader," coach Brad Stevens said. "When you're a young person you have to earn that kind of respect with your approach. It's not even your play, it's your approach."

The Celtics selected Smart No.6 overall pick in this year's draft. They traded start point guard Rajon Rondo for Jameer Nelson, then traded Nelson to Denver for Nate Robinson. Robinson was bought out by the Celtics, which opened the door again for Smart to emerge as a leader. Smart is averaging 6.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game this season. He's also shooting 39.6 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from 3-point territory through 26 games.

Celtics bench PG Smart in favor of Turner

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(12/31/2014)The struggles of rookie point guard Marcus Smart as a starter has sent him to the bench by the Celtics in favor of Evan Turner for the Wednesday game against Sacramento.

Smart is averaging just 4.4 points and 3.6 assists over the last five games.

Celtics set to make 'Smart' move for starting lineup

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(12/26/2014)Celtics point guard Marcus Smart is set to start Friday night against Brooklyn after a stint in a bench role. He has recovered from an Achilles injury.

The rookie has averaged 24 minutes in three games off the bench. He is scoring 5.6 points per game on the year.

Celtics' Marcus Smart is available to play Friday

Smart has missed the last two games with an Achilles injury. In 10 games, he is averaging 5.9 points and 2.1 rebounds.

Celtics guard Marcus Smart expected to practice Thursday

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(12/18/2014)Celtics coach Brad Stevens said guard Marcus Smart is slated to practice Thursday after missing the last two games due to an Achilles injury. Smart, who missed time earlier this season due to an ankle injury, has appeared in just 10 games, averaging 5.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

Celtics G Marcus Smart ruled out Wednesday

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(12/17/2014)Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Magic.

Smart was unable to finish practice Tuesday due to an Achilles strain and was expected to miss Wednesday's contest. He's averaged 5.9 points in 10 games but has been able to play more than 12 minutes just once in his last five appearances.

"I would say that he’s unlikely [versus the Magic], but I don’t know. I haven’t talked to [team trainer] Ed [Lacerte] about it, as far as [Wednesday's game]," Stevens said Tuesday.

Smart, who is averaging 5.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, missed Monday's game against the 76ers with the Achilles strain.

Celtics' Marcus Smart out, Avery Bradley in Monday

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(12/14/2014)Celtics guard Marcus Smart (Achilles) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the 76ers and will not travel with the team for the game, but guard Avery Bradley (illness) is slated to play Monday, MassLive.com reports.

Smart could potentially return from his Achilles issue Wednesday. Bradley is returning from a one-game absence.

Celtics G Marcus Smart (Achilles) will not return vs. Knicks

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(12/12/2014)Celtics guard Marcus Smart suffered an Achilles strain in Friday's game against the Knicks and will not return, the team announced.

Smart played just four minutes before suffering the injury, taking no shots while recording two rebounds and one assist. The Celtics get the weekend off before facing the 76ers Monday.

Celtics' Marcus Smart will not make trip to Atlanta

Smart recently underwent a CT scan on his injured ankle and the results were negative. The injury has caused Smart to miss the last nine games.

Celtics' Marcus Smart progressing, still not ready to return

by Brandon Wise | CBSSports.com

(11/30/2014)Celtics point guard Marcus Smartis ruled out for Sunday's game against the Spurs. Coach Brad Stevens said that "He's better but not well enough to play."

Smart's next chance to get back on the court will come Tuesday against the Hawks.

Celtics G Marcus Smart will not play Friday

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(11/28/2014)Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters rookie guard Marcus Smartwill not play Friday night against Chicago, as he continues to work his way back from an ankle injury, per the team's official website. The injury has caused him to miss eight consecutive games.

"He pulled himself out (of practice) after a few minutes Wednesday. His ankle was still tender. It's frustrating for him," Stevens said.

Smart has continued to progress from his ankle sprain and could return to full practice next week. He was able to do some straight-line movement during Thursday's practice. After Sunday's game, the Celtics are off until Friday.

Celtics PG Smart could be back Sunday, but it's unlikely

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(11/19/2014)Brad Stevens has announced that Celtics point guard Marcus Smart could return to action as early as Sunday aganst Portland, though a more likely scenario is that he will practice next week before resuming game activity.

Stevens added that Smart did some shooting Tuesday in practice, but did not move laterally or get involved in defensive or 5-on-5 drills.

Smart has been out with an ankle injury that has limited him to five games this season.

Celtics PG Marcus Smart could return next week

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(11/18/2014)Celtics point guard Marcus Smart was able to get up some shots before Tuesday's practice, as he continues to work his way back from a severe ankle sprain and bone bruise. Smart is 11 days removed from the injury and could be ready to return at some point next week, according to ESPN Boston.

Smart will accompany the team for a two-game road trip, starting Wednesday against Philadelphia and Friday against Memphis, but is not expected to play, per Comcast SportsNet Northeast.

Celtics G Marcus Smart stretching out after practice

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(11/17/2014)Celtics point guard Marcus Smart took part in some light post-practice stretching on Sunday, according to ESPN Boston. Smart is 10 days removed from a severe ankle sprain and bone bruise. He is expected to miss three weeks of game action.

"All that he's doing is shooting stationary," coach Brad Stevens said. "There is increased activity, as far as on the [Alter-G, non-weight-bearing] treadmill, so he's not doing a whole lot. He is up on his feet and walking, the boot is off and all that stuff."

Celtics PG Marcus Smart moving without limp

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(11/16/2014)Celtics point guard Marcus Smart is now able to move around without a limp, Celtics.com reports. However, despite the progress, the rookie has yet to be cleared to return to practice after suffering an ankle sprain and bone bruise nine days ago.

Celtics rule Marcus Smart and Vitor Faverani out Wednesday

Smart is nursing a sprained left ankle he suffered Friday against Indiana, while Faverani (knee) has yet to play during the 2014-15 season.

Brad Stevens: Celtics G Marcus Smart progressing well

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(11/10/2014)Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters Monday that guard Marcus Smart has progressed well in his rehab from a left ankle sprain thus far, per the Boston Globe. Smart left Friday's game against the Pacers in a stretcher with an ankle sprain and a bone bruise. He experienced some swelling over the weekend but his timetable hasn't changed. He will likely require two-to-three weeks of recovery.

"Marcus looks great," Stevens said. "I saw Marcus yesterday. He was in for treatment three times. He's been in for treatment already today. He looks better than yesterday and better than the day before. [The healing] is progressing the way it’s supposed to."

Report: Celtics G Marcus Smart out 2-3 weeks

Smart had to be taken off the court on a stretcher Friday after suffering what looked to be a severe injury. President of basketball operations Danny Ainge said that the rookie is estimated to miss two-to-three weeks while recovering from the injury. Smart has averaged 6.8 points in five games while shooting 30.6 percent from the field.

Celtics unsure about Marcus Smart's injury

Smart had to be carried off the court on a stretcher Friday after injuring his ankle on a fast break. The team isn't sure if Smart is dealing with a sprain or a broken bone at this time. The team is still running tests to determine the severity of the injury.

Celtics' Marcus Smart stretchered off Friday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(11/7/2014)Celtics guard Marcus Smart was stretchered off the court Friday against the Pacers.

Smart took a big spill on a fast break in the fourth quarter. He appeared to suffer a leg injury. Doctors attended to Smart on the court, and brought out a stretcher to take him off. Smart gave a thumbs up to the fans as he was taken off the court.

Celtics guard Marcus Smart dealing with illness

Smart is dealing with a stomach bug. He's missed two straight practices due to the illness. Smart is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season.

Celtics rookie PG Marcus Smart receives kudos from coach

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(10/8/2014)Celtics rookie guard Marcus Smart has earned the praise of Brad Stevens despite a 0-for-8 shooting performance in the preseason opener against Philadelphia. Five of the missed shots were 3-pointers.

Smart did record three rebounds, six assists and a blocked shot in 27 minutes.

"I think making a shot is a positive, obviously," Stevens joked to the Boston Herald when asked if he would have liked Smart to shoot more often to get into a rhythm. "I don't want him to take more shots if he wasn't going to make one, so that would not be the case.

"I'm not worried about it. He took good shots. He'll make shots. ... I love the way he impacts the game and our team. ... He's one of the few guys I think gets stronger defensively as the game goes along, and I think that just wears on you. ... I've coached a lot of really bright guys now at a lot of different ages. Very, very, very few at 20 years old can see the game and react to the game defensively like that. He has the ability to react athletically, too."

Smart shot 42.2 percent from the floor last season at Oklahoma State.

Celtics name Marcus Smart starter for exhibition opener

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(10/6/2014)Celtics rookie guard Marcus Smart has been deemed the starter for Monday's exhibition game against the 76ers, ESPN Boston reports. Smart missed practiced Sunday because of a minor groin injury. He is hoping to see a larger role at point guard with Rajon Rondo recovers from hand surgery.

"Obviously, (Stevens) won't throw the whole playbook at Marcus," Ainge said. "He'll keep it as simple as a rookie needs to keep it simple. Rondo's well-advanced and experienced; it would be like Peyton Manning vs. a rookie quarterback. You just can't do it. You can't throw the same expectations at him."

Celtics sign Marcus Smart to rookie deal

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(7/9/2014)The Celtics have agreed to terms on a rookie-scale deal with guard Marcus Smart , the No.6 overall pick in this year's draft.

Smart was the first of the Celtics' first-round picks this year, after starring at Oklahoma State University for two years. Smart averaged 18.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game in 31 appearances as a sophomore.